For just a moment – think basketball, football, soccer, ballet, or gymnastics. Now, consider how agile some athletes are. They just seem to pivot into position on a dime, as needed – with little or no warning. Similarly, your life pivots. Actually, with so many events, people, and unknowns – your ability to maneuver is a critical skill. Consequently, during challenge, disappointments, threats, bad news, conflict – there’s good news! Your life pivots on principles that never change. So, let’s explore practical ideas and helpful action steps to pivot skillfully – with little or no warning.
Tag: adventure
Know And See God! – Scripture Dissection
Recently, we entertained special guests – dear friends of many years. It was great to see them again. But – people change. Incidentally, this is exciting. Why? Because it means there’s more to know about them. In contrast, God never changes. (Heb.13:8) Remarkably, there’s always more opportunity to know and see God in life. In fact, this continues through eternity. God is incredible!
To know and see God is a privilege to celebrate even in difficult times.
You Are Invited
You go to the mail box and pull out a crisp white envelope with an official seal. The exquisite handwriting specifies your name and address. Rather than ripping it open – like junk mail – you pull out your letter opener to surgically slide along the top envelope crease. From the open slot, you gingerly slip out a beautiful, heavy-weight card that says, “You Are Invited.” In surprise and wonder, you flip open the card to see – it’s the very event you’ve always wanted to attend! Up till now, you’ve never dreamed you’d have the opportunity.
Waiting And Listening – Effective Relationship Words
When you think back into your childhood, what memories come to mind? Good ones? Not-so-good ones? Maybe you remember events that sculpted or changed your life. Perhaps something “rocked your world.” It might be a special activity is your first thought. (I’ll share one of my memories directly below.) But, I’m guessing you remember many ordinary days filled with ordinary things. Interestingly, this sets the stage for most of life. We spend long stretches of time waiting and listening for what comes next. Additionally, waiting and listening directly impact all your relationships.
God Purposefully Picks You
Do you remember that funny scene in Shrek? The donkey is behind a group of people in a crowd. Shrek is going to choose a companion. And as Shrek considers his options, all you see is the donkey jumping up – over and over in the background. You don’t see him – and then you do! Over and over. As he jumps high enough to be seen above the group, he’s yelling something – “Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!” Interestingly, all people feel this way at times. Subsequently, it’s noteworthy and meaningful to remember God purposefully picks you.
So what does “Pick me!” really look like?
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Two Ways To Live
Every person I know has lived through some pretty tough challenges. So many stories, my own among them. And I bet you have stories, too. So, a question for you: when everything seems tumultuous, when you can’t see, or when you feel overwhelmed and tired, how do you get through tough times well? There’s help by exploring two ways to live.
Tear Into It!
In graduate school, I had a stark realization as first semester syllabuses were handed out in class. It reminded me of a similar eye-opener in college-level classes after high school – but this was definitely a step up. As I began to digest graduate school expectations, I noticed a panicky feeling inside. There would be no reminders, no pace set for us, no little “clues.” Set your own reminders, pace, and “get a clue!” The level of expectation was much higher. There was no option except to tear into it, and hope for the best!
Fresh Start
I remember a season a couple decades ago when I felt things were falling apart. By that time in my life, I’d already noticed an interesting development. Despite a lot of hard work, regardless of best intentions, even after applying good counsel and working to apply Scripture – things don’t always turn out. That’s when you discover the value of a fresh start.
When You Need Something Sharp
Some days you need a newspaper. Other days, you need money from your bank. Still other days, you need a prescription for illness. More than not, you need your phone – or some other form of technology. Then there’s the day you need a good friend to talk to. But more often than you might expect, are days when you need something sharp – like a sword! For protection, accuracy, carving away, cutting a path, and making a point.